The path of the World Cup in Zurich 2024 it is perhaps too hard for the defending champion Mathieu Van der Poel. This is what Oliver Senn, the organizer of the world championship that will set the streets of Switzerland on fire in September, says. The route of the elite men’s road race will be truly tough, 274 kilometers long and with a total height difference of over 4500 metres, and is also characterized by a deadly ending. In fact, there will be seven laps of a final circuit of 26.8 kilometers and 400 meters of altitude difference to be tackled. A route whose difficulty winks at classics for climbers such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia and which therefore could be suitable for strong climbers such as Vingegaard, Pogacar or Evenepoel.
“There is a short but steep climb at the start of the circuit, [Zürichbergstrasse – ndr] and after a slight descent a longer climb [Witikonerstrasse, 2,3 km al 5,7%] – explained Senn in a conversation with In de Leiderstrui – The crucial point of the race, however, will be the two kilometer climb of Zollikon, where we will certainly see attacks, unless there is already a lone attacker. After that there will only be a descent and a kilometer and a half of flat terrain until you reach Sechseläutenplatz”.
“According to the organizer of the Swiss race, there are so many possible moments in which to make a difference and make the race selective, which could prove fun from start to finish, but perhaps too hard for certain runners. “I think the path is the limit for Mathieu [Van der Poel – ndr], it is tougher than it might seem, due to the succession of fairly long climbs and the constant ups and downs – Senn specified – So I think it will be difficult for him to be able to defend the title, but in any case the best rider on this circuit will win the rainbow jersey. Jonas [Vingegaard – ndr] he might have a chance because the best climber always has an opportunity and in theory he won’t be far from it. But even Tadej Pogacar, Wout van Aert or Remco Evenepoel can have a chance, it’s a very open path.”
“I don’t see it as a competition for pure climbers, but it’s really tough – the organizer of this season’s World Cup then concluded – Our goal from the beginning was to create a circuit where many riders could have a chance, not just a small group. It would be great to see all these big names fighting for victory, perhaps together with a couple of Swiss. Maybe Marc Hirschi or Mauro Schmid, or even Stefan Küng, who can last a very long time.”
